The Boeing 787-8 departed Paine Field in Everett on December 3 on its delivery flight to Brussels, where Jetairfly ‒ one of the eight...

Belgian leisure carrier Jetairfly has taken delivery of the airline’s first Boeing 787.

The Boeing 787-8 departed Paine Field in Everett on December 3 on its delivery flight to Brussels, where Jetairfly ‒ one of the eight airlines owned by TUI Travel PLC ‒ will base it.

Jetairfly’s first Boeing 787, which was delivered to the carrier on December 3, 2013, is seen during one of its pre-delivery production flights

“We are very excited about the Jetairfly Dreamliner entering service as the first and only 787 operated by a Belgian airline,” said Elie Bruyninckx, CEO of TUI Belgium. “This aircraft isn’t only a perfect match with our innovative and sustainable philosophy. It is also a great asset in our strategy of offering unique holiday experiences to our passengers, especially when they fly between Europe and the Caribbean.”

Jetairfly’s Boeing 787-8 is scheduled to begin flying short- and medium-haul Jetairfly routes in early December and long-haul routes between Christmas and the New Year.

“The 787 will replace the airline’s 767 and offer the best possible flying and cabin experience,” said Todd Nelp, vice president of European Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Composite materials make up 50 percent of the Boeing 787’s primary structure, including the fuselage and wing. This allows the Dreamliner to use 20 per cent less fuel and emit 20 per cent fewer CO2 emissions than similarly sized, previous-generation aircraft, according to Boeing.

Jetairfly is part of TUI Travel PLC, the largest tourism group in the world.